Jimmy Hooper, Jr., age 34 of Batesville was arrested today on a theft by receiving warrant and being a felon is possession of a firearm. Hooper is accused to having sold or pawned guns and ammunition belonging to his grandfather. The guns were located by Chief Investigator Charles Melton and Sgt. Gabe Sanders in pawn shops in Searcy and Bald knob. Sheriff Tate Lawrence said the guns and ammunition valued at almost $8,000 were likely taken from the grandfather’s home while the grandfather was in the hospital recovering from a broken leg. Hooper is on probation with the Arkansas Department of Correction for having been found guilty of felony forgery and breaking and entering in Independence County. Lawrence said Hooper is in the Independence County Jail and is facing charges in that county. District Judge David E. Miller set bond on the Izard County charges at $25,000.

Hooper’s brother, Jacob Hooper, has a warrant for his arrest relating to this theft. Jacob Hooper has not been arrested at this time.